BICYCLIC CARBOXYLIC ACID LEUKOTRIENE B4 ANTAGONISTS

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of formulae: wherein R<2>, each occurence, independently, is hydroxy, lower alkoxy or NR<3>R<4>, wherein R<3> and R<4>, independently, are hydrogen or lower alkyl, and Ph is phenyl and, for the compound of formula C, its geometric isomer, and, when R<2> is hydroxy, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base, and an inert carrier. The compounds of formula A, B and C are potent leukotriene B4 antagonists and are therefore useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout, ischemia/ reperfusion injury, and trauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury.

Description: Bicyclic carboxylic acid leukotriene B4 antagonists The invention relates to a compound of the formulas wherein R 2 , each occurrence independently, is hydroxy, lower alkoxy or NR 3 R 4 , wherein R 3 and R 4 , independently, are hydrogen or lower alkyl, and Ph is phenyl and, for the compound of formula C, its geometric isomer, and, when R 2 is hydroxy, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base. The compounds of formula A, B and C arc potent leukotriene B 4 antagonists and are therefore useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, riiinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout, ischemia/ reperfusion injury, and trauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury. Objects of the present invention are the compounds of the formulas A, B and C and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts per se and for use as therapeutically active substances, the manufacture of these compounds, medicaments containing these and the manufacture of such medicaments, as well as the use of compounds of formulas A, B anc C and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts in the control or prevention of illnesses or in the improvement of health, especially in the control or prevention of inflammatory disease, such as psoriasis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, iriflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout, ischemia/reperfusion in j ury, and trauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use comprising the compounds of formulas A, B and C. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an intermediate 2-(3- phenylpropenylidene)-l,3-cyclohexanedione, which is of the formula: wherein Ph is phenyl and to an intermediate 3-(2-cyanoethoxy)-2-(3-phenylpropyl)-2-cyclohexen-l-one, which is of the formula: wherein Ph is phenyl. The present invention also relates to a method of inhibiting the biological activity of leukotriene B4 which comprises adnώύstering to a host requiring such inhibitory treatment an effective amount of a compound of formulas A, B and C. The following definitions of the general terms used in the present description apply irrespective of whether the terms in question appear alone or in combination. As used herein, the term "lower alkyl" denotes a straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon containing 1 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, neopentyl, pentyl, heptyl, and the like. The term "lower alkoxy" denotes an alkyl ether group in which the alkyl group is as described above, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, pentoxy and the like. As used herein, a leaving group denotes halogen, preferably, bromine and iodine; lower alkylsulfonyloxy, such as, (methylsulfonyl)oxy, (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)oxy or the like; (arylsulfonyl)oxy, such as, (para- toluenesulfonyl)oxy or the like. As used herein, an acid sensitive hydroxyl protecting group denotes, preferably, tetrahydropyranyl, 1-ethoxyethyl, 1-methyl-l-methoxyethyl and the like. As used herein, an alkali metal denotes, preferably, lithium, sodium, potassium, and cesium. As used herein, a hydroxyl protecting group removable by hydrogenolysis denotes, preferably, benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, triphenylmethyl, and the like. A preferred group of compounds is represented by formulas A, B, and C. Most preferred examples of this invention are: 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-2H- 1 - benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid (a compound of formula A); 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- 1 -(3-phenylpropyl)- 2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid (a compound of formula B); and (E)-2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3-phenyl-2- propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid (a compound of formula C). In accordance with the present invention the compounds of formula A, B and C can be prepared by a process which comprises a) for the manufacture of compounds of the formulas A or B, wherein R 2 ' is lower alkoxy or hydrogen, reacting a compound of the formula with a compound of the formula i-io-l wherein R 2 ' is lower alkoxy or hydrogen and L is a leaving group, or b) for the manufacture of compounds of the formula A, wherein R 2 is as above, catalytically hydrogenazing a compound of the formula wherein R 2 is as above, or c) for the manufacture of compounds of the formula B, wherein R 2 is as above, catalytically hydrogenazing a compound of the formula C, wherein R 2 is described above, or d) for the manufacture of compounds of the formula C, wherein R 2 is as above, reacting a compound of the formula wherein R 2 is as above, with a compound PhL π-4 wherein Ph is phenyl and L is a leaving group, or e) for the manufacture of compounds of the formulas A, B and C, wherein R 2 is hydroxy, saponifying a compound A, B or C, wherein R 2 is lower alkoxy, and f) for the manufacture of compounds of the formulas A, B and C, wherein R 2 is -NR 3 R 4 and R 3 and R 4 is as above, converting a compound of formula A, B or C, wherein R 2 is hydroxy into a corresponding compound wherein R 2 is -NR 3 R 4 , g) if desired, converting a compound of formulas A, B and C into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt The reaction conditions for the above process variants a) - f) and for the manufacture of the intermediates are described in more details hereinafter in reaction schemas I- VI. Reaction Scheme I 1-5 MO 1-9 wherein R * is lower alkoxy, R 5 is an acid sensitive hydroxyl protecting group, L is a leaving group, and M is an alkali metaL In Reaction Scheme 1, 5-hydroxycoumarin, a known compound of formula I- 1 is converted to the corresponding trifluoromethanesulfonic ester 1-2 by treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride in the presence of an amine base. Any conventional amine base may be utilized. Pyridine or triethylamine are preferred. This transformation is preferably carried out in dichloromethane solvent at a temperature in the range of 0-25 °C. The compound of formula 1-2 can be recovered by conventional means such as chromatography or recrystallization. The compound of formula 1-2 is allowed to react with an acetylenic compound of formula 1-3, which represents known compounds, in the presence of a palladium catalyst and an amine base giving the compound of formula 1-4. It is preferred that this transformation be carried out using ώcUorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(π) as the catalyst and triethylamine as the base, in dimethylrormamide solvent, at a temperature in the range of 80-100 °C. The product of formula 1-4 is recovered using conventional chromatographic techniques. The compound of formula 1-4 is converted to the corresponding hydroxy cinnamate of formula 1-5 by alcoholysis of the lactone ring using an alkali metal lower alkoxide in a lower alkanol solvent This transformation is carried out using lithium, sodium, or potassium lower alkoxide. It is preferred that this transformation be carried out in methanol or ethanol with sodium methoxide or sodium ethoxide, at a temperature in the range of 60-80 °C. The compound of formula 1-5 is recovered by standard chromatographic methods or by recrystallization. Alkylation of the compound of formula 1-5 with the bromo ester of formula I- 6, which represents known compounds, is carried out in the presence of a base, for example, an alkali metal carbonate such as sodium or potassium carbonate, at a temperature in the range of from about 25 °C to about 110 °C, in a polar, aprotic solvent such as acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide, 2-butanone, dimethyl sulfoxide and the like, and affords the compound of formula 1-7 which is recovered by chromatography. Catalytic hydrogenation of the compound of formula 1-7 gives the corresponding saturated compound of formula 1-8. This hydrogenation is carried out under conventional conditions. More specifically, a supported transition metal catalyst, such as 5% or 10% palladium metal on carbon is preferred. It is also preferred that the hydrogenation be carried out at ambient temperature and under one atmosphere of hydrogen gas pressure. Preferred solvents for the hydrogenation are lower alkanols such as methanol or ethanol, or ester solvents such as ethyl acetate, or the like. Mixtures of these solvents can also be used. Removal of the protecting group R 5 in the compound of formula 1-8 to give the corresponding alcohol of formula 1-9 is carried out using an acidic catalyst It is preferred that this deprotection process be carried out in a lower alkanol solvent such as methanol or ethanol. Useful acid catalysts for effecting this deprotection are organic sulfonic acids or amine salts thereof, at a temperature within the range of 20- 80 °C. It is particularly preferred that this transformation be carried out using para- toluenesulfonic acid in methanol. The compound of formula 1-9 is recovered by conventional chromatography. The compound of formula 1-9 is converted to the corresponding derivative I- 10 using standard methods known in the art for transforming hydroxy groups into leaving groups. These methods include treatment with halogenating reagents such as N-bromosuccinimide/triphenylphosphine or N-cMorosucrinimide/triphenylphosphine in dichloromethane. Alternatively, the compound of formula 1-9 can be converted to the corresponding sulfonic ester of formula I- 10 by conventional methods such as treatment with an alkyl- or arylsulfonyl chloride and an organic amine. It is preferred that the compound of formula 1-9 be treated with methanesulfonyl chloride and triethylamine in dichloromethane, ether, or ethyl acetate, at a temperature in the range of 0-25 °C. These methanesulfonic esters can in turn be converted into the corresponding iodides of formula I- 10 by treatment with an alkali metal iodide in a polar, aprotic solvent. It is preferred that this conversion be carried out using sodium iodide, in acetonitrile, within a temperature range of 20-80 °C. The compounds of formula I- 10 are recovered by conventional extractive work-up. Reaction Scheme II wherein R 6 is an hydroxyl protecting group removable by hydrogenolysis and R >2' , L, and M are as previously described. In Reaction Scheme π, an ortho-hydroxyacetophenone of formula H-l, which represents known compounds, is treated with a known formamide acetal of formula π-2, at temperatures in the range of from 120°C to 160°C, in an aromatic hydroxycarbon solvent, preferably xylene, to give an intermediate which is not purified, but immediately cyclized by acid treatment to the chromone product 11-3. Preferred acids for effecting this cyclization include the organic sulfonic acids such as para-toluenesulfonic acid. Preferred solvents for carrying out this cyclization include the lower alkanols such as methanol and ethanol, at temperatures in the range of 60°C to 80°C. The chromone of formula II-3 is recovered by conventional chromatographic methods or by recrystallization. The chromone of formula II-3 is condensed with a benzene derivative of formula II-4, which represents known compounds, in the presence of a base, a palladium catalyst, and a quaternary ammonium salt to give a product of formula TJ-5. Exemplary of the benzene derivative are known compounds such as iodobenzene, phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, and the like. It is preferred that this condensation be carried out using an alkali metal acetate as the base and a tetraalkyl- ammonium halide salt as the quaternary ammonium salt It is especially preferred that the base be sodium acetate and the quaternary ammonium salt be tetraethylammonium chloride. In this condensation, the preferred catalyst is palladium(π) acetate. This condensation is preferably carried out within a temperature range of 25-100 °C, in a polar, aprotic solvent such as N,N**dimeώylfoπnamide. The compound of formula H-5 is recovered by conventional chromatography or recrystallization. Catalytic hydrogenation of the chromone of formula H-5, with concomitant hydrogenolytic cleavage of the protecting group R 6 gives the hydroxy chromanone of formula 11-6. This hydrogenation is carried out under conventional conditions. A supported transition metal catalyst is preferred such as 5% or 10% palladium metal on carbon or charcoal. It is preferred that this hydrogenation be carried out at ambient temperature and under one atmosphere of hydrogen gas pressure. Preferred solvents for effecting this hydrogenation are the lower alkanols such as methanol or ethanoL or ester solvents such as ethyl acetate. Mixtures of these solvents can also be used. This hydrogenation can be carried out in two stages, first removing the protecting group with palladium on carbon and then reducing the double bonds using conventional Raney nickel catalyst The compound of formula II-6 can be isolated by conventional chromatographic means or by recrystallization. The hydroxy chromanone of formula II-6 is allowed to react with a compound of formula 1-10 (Reaction Scheme I) in the presence of a base, for example, an alkali metal carbonate such as sodium or potassium carbonate, at a temperature in the range of from about 25 °C. to about 110 °C., in a polar, aprotic solvent such as acetonitrile, N-N**dimethylformamide, 2-butanone, dimethyl sulfoxide and the like. An alkali metal hydride such as sodium hydride can also be used as the base in which case an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, ether, toluene, or N-N-dimethylformamide is preferred. Alternatively, the procedure of U.S. Patent No. 4,931,574 can be utilized. In this variation, compounds of formulas II-6 and I- 10 are allowed to react in the presence of an alkali metal carbonate, preferably potassium carbonate, and a phase transfer catalyst preferably tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine (TDA-1), in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, preferably toluene, at a temperature in the range of 80 °C. to 110 °C. The resulting diester of formula II-7 can be recovered utilizing conventional methods such as chromatography, and can be converted by saponification using an alkali metal hydroxide such as lithium, sodium, or potassium hydroxide, in a solvent mixture of water and a water miscible solvent such as methanol, ethanol, or tetrahydrofuran, at a temperature in the range of from about 25 °C. to about 60 °C, to the corresponding diacid of formula A'. It is preferred that this saponification be carried out using lithium hydroxide, in aqueous tetrahydrofuran, at ambient temperature. The compounds of formula A' can be recovered by conventional methods such as recrystallization or chromatography. Reaction Scheme HI wherein L, M and R 2 are as previously described. In Reaction Scheme HI, the known hydroxy chromone of formula ϋI-1 is alkylated with the compound of formula I- 10 as described in Reaction Scheme π for the conversion of the compound of formula II-6 to the compound of formula 11-7. The product of formula DI-2 is recovered by conventional chromatography and is phenylated to give the compound of formula πi-3 as described in Reaction Scheme π for the conversion of the compound of formula TJ-3 to the compound of formula H-5. The compound of formula IQ-3 is recovered by conventional chromatography. Catalytic hydrogenation of the compound of formula m-3 gives the corresponding compound of formula II-7 which is recovered by chromatography. This hydrogenation is carried out under conditions described in Reaction Scheme II for the conversion of the compound of formula H-5 to the compound of formula II-6. Saponification of the compound of formula U-7 affords the corresponding diacid of formula A' as described in Reaction Scheme π. Reaction Scheme IV wherein R >2' , - R06 , and L are as previously described. In Reaction Scheme IV, 1,3-dimethoxybenzene, a known compound of formula IV- 1, is converted into the product of formula IV-3 by first treatment with a strong base followed by the alkylating agent of formula IV-2 which represents known compounds such as 3-bromo-l-phenylpropane, 3-iodo-l-phenylpropane, 3- [(methylsulfonyl)oxy]-l-phenylpropane, and the like. It is preferred that the base used in this alkylation be an organolithium species such as methyllithium, phenyllithium, n-butyllithium and the like and that the alkylation be carried out in an inert ether solvent It is particularly preferred that the alkylation be carried out using n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran, at a temperature of from -20 °C. to room temperature. The product of formula IV-3 is recovered by conventional chromatography. Acetylation of the compound of formula IV-3 is carried out under standard Friedel-Crafts conditions, specifically treatment with acetyl chloride and aluminum chloride, in dichloromethane, giving the corresponding acetophenone product of formula IV-4 which is recovered by chromatography. Treatment of the compound of formula IV-4 under standard demethylation conditions, such as using boron tribromide in dichloromethane solution, at from -50 °C. to room temperature, gives the corresponding dihydroxy-acetophenone product of formula IV-5 which is recovered by conventional chromatography or recrystallization. The dihydroxyacetophenone of formula IV-5 is allowed to react with a compound of formula IV-6, which represents known compounds, in the presence of a base, giving the compound of formula IV-7. Among the various compounds of formula IV-6 which can be employed, benzyl chloride or benzyl bromide are preferred. It is preferred that this alkylation be carried out using potassium carbonate as the base, in acetone or acetonitrile, within a temperature range of 20-80 °C. Treatment of the compound of formula IV-7 with a known formamide acetal of formula II-2 followed by acidic cyclization, as described in Reaction Scheme II for the conversion of the compound of formula II- 1 to the compound of formula II-3, gives the chromone product IV-8. This chromone IV-8 is generally recovered by conventional chromatographic methods or by recrystallization. Catalytic hydrogenation of the chromone IV-8, with concomitant hydrogenolytic cleavage of the arylmethyl ether moiety R 6 gives the chromanone of formula II-6. This hydrogenation-hydrogenolysis is carried out as described in Reaction Scheme II for the conversion of the compound of formula H-5 to chromanone II-6. Reaction Scheme V H 2 Catalyst V-3 V-4 V-6 V-7 11-6 In Reaction Scheme V, 1,3-cyclohexanedione, a known compound of formula V-1 is condensed with the known compound, cinnamaldehyde, of formula V-2, in the presence of a secondary amine catalyst, to give the diene dione product of formula V-3 which is recovered by crystallization. It is preferred that this aldol condensation be carried out using a cyclic secondary amine, specifically, piperidine as the catalyst, in ethanol solvent, within a temperature range of from 0 to 30 °C. Catalytic hydrogenation of the diene dione of formula V-3 is carried out using palladium on carbon as the catalyst in ethyl acetate solution, to give the corresponding cyclohexanedione product of formula V-4. It is preferred that this hydrogenation be carried out at ambient temperature and under one atmosphere of hydrogen gas pressure. The compound of formula V-4 is treated with the known compound, 3- hydroxy-propionitrile of formula V-5, in the presence of an acid catalyst, to afford the the enol ether product of formula V-6 which is recovered by conventional chromatography. It is preferred that this reaction be carried out using an organic sulfonic acid such as para-toluenesulfonic acid as the catalyst in an inert hydrocarbon solvent such as benzene or toluene, within a temperature range of from 80 to 120 °C. Aromatization of the enol ether of formula V-6 to give the corresponding phenol of formula V-7 is achieved by bromination followed by dehydrobromination with a base. The bromination can be effected with any of the common brominating reagents such as bromine, N-bromosuccinimide, and the like, in an inert solvent It is preferred that this bromination be carried out using 1 ,3-dibromo-5,5- dimethylhydantoin, in dichloromethane solution, within a temperature range of from -10 to 5 °C. The dehydrobromination can be effected using a sterically hindered tertiary amine base, in an inert solvent It is preferred that the dehydrobromination be carried out using l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as the base, in toluene solution, within a temperature range of from 25 to 110 °C. The phenol of formula V-7 is recovered by chromatography. Cyclization of the phenol of formula V-7 is carried out by treatment with strong acid to give the hydroxy chromanone of formula II-6 which is recovered by chromatography or crystallization. This cyclization can be achieved using conventional strong acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and the like. It is preferred that this cyclization be carried out using 85% phosphoric acid, in acetic acid solution, within a temperature range of from 100 to 150 °C. Reaction Scheme VI wherein R 2 , L, and M are as previously defined. In Reaction Scheme VI, the allyl ether of formula VI- 1, a known compound, is thermolyzed in order to effect Claisen rearrangement It is preferred that this thermolysis be carried out within a temperature range of 180-230 °C. without any solvent, or in a solvent of sufficiently high boiling point such as N-N-diethylaniline. The desired isomeric naphthalenone product of this thermolysis, represented by formula VI-2, can be recovered by recrystallization. The naphthalenone of formula VI-2 is alkylated with the compound of formula 1-10 giving the product of formula VI-3, as described in Reaction Scheme II for the conversion of the compound of formula II-6 to the compound of formula II-7. The product of formula VI-3 is recovered by conventional chromatography and is phenylated to give the compound of formula VI-4 as described in Reaction Scheme π for the conversion of the compound of formula π-3 to the compound of formula π-5. The compound of formula VI-4 is recovered by conventional chromatography. Catalytic hydrogenation of the compound of formula VI-4 gives the corresponding compound of formula VI-5 which is recovered by chromatography. This hydrogenation is carried out under conditions described in Reaction Scheme HI for the conversion of the compound of formula πi-3 to the compound of formula II-7. Saponification of the compound of formula VI-5 affords the corresponding diacid of formula B', recovered by recystallization, and is carried out as described in Reaction Scheme II for the conversion of the compound of formula II-7 to the compound of formula A'. Alternatively, saponification of the compound of formula VI-4 under the same conditions, gives the corresponding diacid of formula C which is recovered by chromatography or recrystallization. The compounds of the formulas A, B anc C, wherein R 2 is -NR 3 R 4 and R 3 and R 4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, can be prepared from the diacid end products by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art. The invention also relates to salts of the compounds of formula A, B and C when they contain an acidic functionality which lends itself to salt formation with a base. Salts of compounds of formulas A, B and C which have a carboxy group are prepared by the reaction with a non-toxic, pharmacologically acceptable base. In general, any base which will form a salt with a carboxylic acid and whose pharmacological properties will not cause an adverse physiological effect is within the scope of this invention. Suitable bases include, for example, the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates or the like, for example, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate or the like, ammonia, primary, secondary and tertiary amines, such as, monoalkylamines, dialkylamines, trialkylamines, for example, methylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine or the like, nitrogen containing heterocyclic amines, for example, piperidine or the like. A salt thus produced is the functional equivalent of the corresponding compound of formulas A, B and C wherein R 2 is hydroxy and one skilled in the art will appreciate that the variety of salts embraced by the invention is limited only by the criterion that a base employed in forming the corresponding salts be both non-toxic and physiologically acceptable. The useful activity of the compounds of formula I as leukotriene B 4 antagonists can be demonstrated as hereinafter set forth. Methodology: LTB4 Receptor Binding Assay Binding assays can be performed in microtiter wells. Isolated human neutrophils in Gey's salt solution are incubated on ice for 45 minutes with 0.5nM 3 H- LTB 4 in the presence or absence of test compounds. Assays are terminated by adding 12 ml of ice cold 50 mM Tris buffer (pH 7.4) followed by rapid filtration under vacuum through GF/C filters. Radioactivity is determined by scintillation counting. Non specific binding is defined as the binding not displaced by 100 fold excess of unlabelled LTB 4 . Specific binding is defined as the difference between total binding and non-specific binding. Non linear analysis of the binding data is performed using LIGAND (Munson and Rodbard, 1980). Ki (Inhibition Constant) values were determined using the Cheng-Prusoff relationship (Cheng and Prusoff, 1973). When representative compounds of formulas A, B or C of the invention were tested, the results as set forth in Table I and expressed as inhibition of 3 H-LTB 4 binding were obtained. TABLE 1 HUMAN NEUTROPHIL TEST COMPOUND CELLS -TKjnM^ 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8- (3-phenylpropyl)-2H-l-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]hexyl]- benzenepropanoic Acid 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5- oxo-l-(3-phenylpropyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]- benzenepropanoic Acid QE)-2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5- oxo- 1 -(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl ] oxy] hexyl] - benzenepropanoic Acid Guinea Pig Bronchoconstriction. In Vivo Male guinea pigs (Hartley strain), weighing 300 to 500 g are anesthetized with urethane (2 g/kg) intraperitoneally and a polyethylene cannula is inserted into the jugular vein for drug administration. Tracheal pressure is recorded from a cannula inserted into the trachea and connected to a Gould P231D pressure transducer. After surgical preparation of the animals, a period of time is allowed for pulmonary functions to stabilize. Animals are then paralyzed with succinylcholine (1.2 mg/kg, i.v.) and mechanically respirated (Harvard rodent respirator) at 40 breaths/minute and 2.5 cc tidal volume. The test compound is administered p.o., 2 hr prior to leukotriene B4 administration. Propranolol (0.1 mg/kg) is administered intravenously 5 min prior to leukotriene B4 administration. Animals are then challenged with an intermediate constrictory dose of leukotriene B4 (200 μg/kg), delivered intravenously. The change (cm H2O) between pre and peak ventilatory pressure readings is averaged for 6 control and 6 drug treated animals. The percent inhibition is calculated from the formula: ((Control - Drug Treated)/Control)xlOO When representative compounds of formulas A, B and C of the invention were utilized as the test compounds, the following results were obtained: TABLE 2 % inhibition, 0.1 mg kg test compound dose 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8- 67 (3-phenylpropyl)-2H-l-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]hexyl]- benzenepropanoic Acid 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5- 78 oxo-l-(3-phenylpropyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]- benzenepropanoic Acid (E 2-(3-Qufcoxvproρoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5- 64 oxo- 1 -(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl] oxy] hexyl] - benzenepropanoic Acid In the practice of the invention, the dose of a compound of formula A, B, C or a salt thereof to be administered and the frequency of administration will be dependent on the potency and duration of activity of the particular compound of formula A, B, C or a salt thereof to be administered and on the route of administration, as well as the severity and nature of the condition and age of the mammal to be treated and the like. Oral doses of a compound of formula A, B or C or a salt thereof contemplated for use in practicing the invention can be in the range of from 2 mg to about 2 g per day, preferably about 2 mg to about 1 gm per day, either as a single dose or in divided doses. The examples which follow further illustrate the invention. A compound of formula A, B or C, or a salt or a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula A, B or C, or a salt thereof can be administered by methods well known in the art Thus, a compound of formula A, B or C, or a salt thereof can be administered either singly or with other pharmaceutical agents, for example, antihistamines, mediator release inhibitors, methyl xanthines, beta agonists or antiasthmatic steroids such as prednisone and prednisolone, orally, parenterally, rectally, or by inhalation, for example in the form of an aerosol, micropulverized powder or nebulized solution. For oral administration they can be adrninistered in the form of tablets, capsules, for example, in admixture with talc, starch, milk sugar or other inert ingredients, that is, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, or in the form of aqueous solutions, suspensions, elixirs or aqueous alcoholic solutions, for example, in admixture with sugar or other sweetening agents, flavoring agents, colorants, thickeners and other conventional pharmaceutical excipients. For parenteral adrninistration, they can be administered as solutions or suspension, for example, as an aqueous or peanut oil solution or suspension using excipients and carriers conventional for this mode of administration. For administration as aerosols, they can be dissolved in a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvent for example, ethyl alcohol or combinations of miscible solvents, and mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable propellant Such aerosol compositions are packaged for use in pressurized container fitted with an aerosol valve suitable for release of the pressurized composition. Preferably, the aerosol valve is a metered valve, that is one which on activation releases a predetermined effective dose of the aerosol composition. For topical administration, they can be administered in the form of an ointment cream, lotion, powder, gel or the like. Suitable carrier materials for topical preparations are glycerides, semi-synthetic and synthetic glycerides, hydrogenated oils, liquid waxes, liquid paraffins, liquid fatty alcohols, sterols, polyethylene glycols, cellulose derivatives, and the like. It is to be understood that formula C as used herein, includes geometric isomers. The geometric isomers can be separated into the respective E-and Z-isomers utilizing known procedures as further examplified herein. In the following examples, the "usual work-up" procedure involves three extractions with the specified solvent. The organic extracts were combined, washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under water aspirator pressure. The residue was dried to constant weight at 45 °CJhigh vacuum. All reactions except hydrogenations were carried out under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon. EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 7-(Phenylmethoxy)-8-(2-propenyl)-4H-l-beπzopyran-4- one A mixture of 5.0 g (17.73 mmol) of l-[2-hydroxy-4-(phenylmethoxy)-3-(2- propenyl)phenyl]ethanone, 2.3 g (19.48 mmol) of dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal, and 5.0 mL of xylene was stirred and heated in a 120-130 °C. oil-bath as methanol was distilled out using a 3 in. Vigreux column, over a 2.5 hr period. The bath temperature was then raised to 150-160 °C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for an additional 30 min. The mixture was cooled and concentrated at 60 °C./high vacuum. To the viscous, red-brown, oily residue was added 3.7 g (19.48 mmol) of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and 50 mL of ethanol. The resulting solution was stirred and refluxed for 24 hr, then cooled and diluted with water. Work-up with ether in the usual manner gave a crude product which was recrystallized from hexane-ethyl acetate. There was obtained 3.5 g (67.6%) of 7- (phenylmethoxy)-8-(2-propenyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-4-one as a yellow solid, mp 90- 92 OC. Anal. Calcd for C19H16O3: C, 78.06; H, 5.52. Found: C, 77.97; H, 5.56. EXAMPLE I Preparation of (EJ-7-(Phenylmethoxy)-8-(3-phenyI-2-propenyI)-4H-l- benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 8.76 g (30 mmol) of 7-(phenylmethoxy)-8-(2-propenyl)-4H- 1- benzopyran-4-one (preceding example), 6.70 g (32.84 mmol) of iodobenzene, 5.11 g (30.84 mmol) of tetraethylammonium chloride, 8.94 g (91.22 mmol) of anhydrous sodium acetate, and 64 mL of dry N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred at room temperature while being purged with a stream of argon. Palladium(II) acetate (0.38 g; 1.7 mmol) was added and stirring was continued at room temperature, for 24 hr. The dark mixture was diluted with water and worked-up with ether in the usual manner (the ether extracts were additionally washed with 12% aqueous sodium bisulfite solution). Recrystallization of the crude product from acetonitrile afforded 6.13 g (55.5%) of the title compound as a brown solid. The analytical specimen was obtained from a separate experiment as yellow crystals, mp 131-133°C. Anal. Calcd for C25H20O3: C, 81.50; H, 5.47. Found: C, 81.34; H, 5.10. EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-7-hydroxy-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-4H-l- benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 6.1 g (16.6 mmol) of (E)-7-(phenylmethoxy)-8-(3-phenyl-2- propenyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-4-one from the preceding example, 1 g of 10% palladium on carbon, 100 mL of methanol, and 300 mL of ethyl acetate was stirred at room temperature, in an atmosphere of hydrogen until approximately one third of the theoretical volume of hydrogen gas was taken up. The catalyst was filtered with suction and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 150 mL of methanol and 0.5 g of Raney nickel was added. The hydrogenation was continued with careful monitoring by TLC analysis. When the reduction was essentially complete, the catalyst was filtered with suction and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The solid residue (4.75 g) was combined with 6.4 g from another experiment (23.9 mmol scale) and chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures afforded 10.73 g (93.9%) of the title compound as a colorless solid, mp 110-112 °C. EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of l,3-Dimethoxy-2-(3-phenyIpropyl)benzene. A solution of 8.70 g (63 mmol) of 1,3-dimethoxybenzene in 164 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was stirred at -20 °C. while 1.6M n-butyllithium in hexane (42.1 mL; 67.2 mmol) was added dropwise, over 20 min. The solution was stirred at -20 °C. for 3 hr and then allowed to warm to -5 °C. whereupon 15.66 g (63.6 mmol) of l-iodo-3-phenyl-propane was added over 15 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at -5 °C. for 1 hr and then at room temperature for 3 d. After being recooled to -5 °C, the reaction mixture was decomposed by the addition of 1.5N aqueous sulfuric acid. Water was added and the mixture was worked-up with ether in the usual manner. The residue was tteated with 100 mL of hexane and the mixture was filtered. Removal of the solvent in vacuo gave 15.28 g (94.7%) of the title compound as a yellow oil. EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of l-[2,4-Dimethoxy-3-(3-phenyIpropyI)phenyl]ethanone. A solution of 15.28 g (59.6 mmol) of l,3-dimethoxy-2-(3- phenylpropyl)benzene from the preceding example, and 4.68 g (59.6 mmol) of acetyl chloride, in 306 mL of dichloromethane was stirred at -5 to 0 °C. and 7.95 g (59.6 mmol) of aluminum chloride was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at -5 to 0 °C. for 2 hr and then allowed to warm to room temperature before being poured onto ice. Work-up with ether in the usual manner gave a product which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 7:3 hexane-ether afforded 10.0 g (56.3%) of the title compound as a pale-yellow oil. EXAMPLE fi Preparation of l-[2,4-Dihydroxy-3-(3-phenylpropyI)phenyI]ethanone A solution of 10.0 g (33.5 mmol) of l-[2,4-dimethoxy-3-(3-phenylpropyl) phenyljethanone from the preceding example in 250 mL of dichloromethane was stirred at -50 °C. while 67 mL (67 mmol) of IM boron tribromide in dichloromethane was added over a 15 min period. The reaction mixture was stirred at -50 °C. for 1 hr and at room temperature for 3 days before being poured onto ice. Work-up with 9:1 dichloromethane-methanol in the usual manner gave a product which was chromatographed on silica geL Elution with hexane-ether mixtures gave 6.69 g (74%) of the title compound as a solid. Recrystallization of a sample from ether-hexane gave colorless solid, mp 120-122 °C. Anal. Calcd for C17H18O3: C, 75.53; H, 6.71. Found: C, 75.31; H, 6.73. EXAMP E 7 Preparation of l-[2-Hydroxy-4-(phenylmethoxy)-3-(3-phenyIpropyl)- phenyl]ethanone A mixture of 6.69 g (24.7 mmol) of l-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-(3-phenylpropyl) phenyl]ethanone, from the preceding example, 5.35 g (31.3 mmol) of benzyl bromide, 14.9 g (0.108 mol) of anhydrous potassium carbonate, 115 mL of dry N,N- dimethyl-formamide, and 230 mL of acetone was stirred and refluxed for 8 hr. After being cooled, the slurry was filtered with suction and the solids washed well with acetone. The filtrate and washes were combined and conentrated under reduced pressure to give a yellow oil which was chromatographed on silica gel. There was obtained 5.57 g (62.6%) of the desired monoether as a pale-yellow solid. Recrystallization of a sample from hexane-ethyl acetate gave the title compound as colorless needles, mp 115-116 °C. Anal. Calcd for C24H24O3: C, 79.97; H, 6.71. Found: C, 79.97; H, 6.80. EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 7-(Phenylmethoxy)-8-(3-phenylpropyI)-4H-l- benzopyran-4-one Using the procedure of example 1, l-[2-hydroxy-4-(phenylmethoxy)-3-(3- phenylpropyl)phenyl]ethanone from the preceding example, was converted into the title compound, a colorless solid, mp 106-107.5 °C. (recrystallized from hexane-ethyl acetate), in 56.7% yield. Anal. Calcd for C25H22O3: C, 81.05; H, 5.99. Found: C, 81.20; H, 5.99. EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-7-hydroxy-8-(3-phenylpropyI)-4H-l- benzopyran-4-one Catalytic hydrogenation of 7-(phenylmethoxy)-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-4H-l- benzo-pyran-4-one, from the preceding example, was carried out over 10% palladium on carbon, at room temperature and 1 atmosphere, in 1:1 methanol-ethyl acetate. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with ether- dichloromethane mixtures. The tide compound, a colorless solid, mp 110-112 °C. (recrystallized from hexane-ether), was obtained in 44.9% yield. Anal. Calcd for C18H18O3: C, 76.57; H, 6.43. Found: C, 76.42; H, 6.43. EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid 2-Oxo-2H-l-benzopyran- 5-yl Ester A mixture of 1.62 g (10 mmol) of 5-hydroxycoumarin and 10 mL of dry pyridine in 25 mL of dichloromethane was stirred with ice-bath cooling while 4.5 g (16 mmol) of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred in the cold for 30 min and then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for an additional 30 min before being poured into 3N_ hydrochloric acid. Work-up with ether in the usual manner gave a yellow solid. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate afforded 2.6 g (88.4%) of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid 2-oxo-2H-l-benzo-pyran-5-yl ester as an off-white solid mp 104-105 °C. Anal. Calcd for C10H5F3O5S: C, 40.83; H, 1.71. Found: C, 40.65; H, 1.59. EXAMPL E U Preparation of rac-5-[6-[(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]- 2H-l-benzopyran-2-one A mixture of 1.47 g (5 mmol) of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid 2-oxo-2H-l- benzo-pyran-5-yl ester (preceding example), 1.0 g (5.5 mmol) of rac-6-[(tetrahydro- 2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexyne, 75 mg of cuprous iodide, 0.3 g (0.428 mmol) of dichloro-bis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium (IT), 7.5 mL of triethylamine, and 35 mL of dry N-N-dimethyl-formamide was stirred and heated at 100 °C. for 24 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water, and worked-up with ether in the usual manner. The dark-brown, oily residue was flash chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate gave 1.09 g (67%) of rac-5-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H- pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]-2H-l-benzopyran-2-one as an orange oil. EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of rac-(E -3-[2-Hydroxy-6-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2- yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]phenyl]-2-propenoic Acid Methyl Ester A solution of 1.09 g (3.3 mmol) of rac-5-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]- l-hexynyι]-2H-l-benzopvran-2-one (preceding example) and 1.8 mL (7.9 mmol) of 25% methanolic sodium methoxide in 5 mL of methanol was stirred and refluxed for 24 hr and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with IN. hydrochloric acid and worked-up with ethyl acetate in the usual manner (the organic extracts were additionally washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate). The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 2: 1 hexane- ether. There was obtained 0.7 g (59%) of rac-(E)-3-[2-hydroxy-6-[6-[(tetrahydro- 2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl] phenyl] -2-propenoic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil. Trituration of a sample prepared in this way with hexane gave a colorless solid, mp 66-67.5 °C. Anal. Calcd for C21H26O5: C, 70.37; H, 7.31. Found: C, 70.24; H, 7.33. EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of rac-(EJ-4-[2-(3-Methoxy-3-oxo-l-propenyl)-3-[6- [(tetra-hydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]phenoxy]butanoic Acid Ethyl Ester A mixture of 7.16 g (20 mmol) of rac-(E)-3-[2-hydroxy-6-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H- pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]phenyl]-2-propenoic acid methyl ester (preceding example), 4.37 g (22.4 mmol) of ethyl 4-bromobutyrate, 8.32 g (60.29 mmol) of anhydrous, granular potassium carbonate, and 50 mL of dry dimethyl sulfoxide was stirred at room temperature for 23 hr. The resulting mixture was diluted with ether and worked-up in the usual manner. There was obtained 9.73 g of rac-(E)-4-[2-(3- methoxy-3-oxo-l-propenyl)-3-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]- phenoxy]butanoic acid etiiyl ester as a yellow oil containing ca. 10% of ethyl 4- bromobutyrate (NMR analysis). This material was used without further purification. EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of rac-2-(4-Ethoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H- pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyI]benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester A 9.73 g (ca. 20 mmol) sample of crude rac-4-[2-(3-methoxy-3-oxo-l- propenyl)-3-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-l-hexynyl]phenoxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester from the preceding example was hydrogenated in 275 mL of ethyl acetate, over 0.75 g of 10% palladium on carbon, at room temperature and 1 atmosphere, for 24 hr. rac-2-(4-Ethoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2- yl)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester, an oil, was isolated by filtration of the catalyst and concentration of the filtrate, in quantitative yield (9.74 g). EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 2-(6-HydroxyhexyI)-6-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)- benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester A solution of 9.74 g (ca. 20 mmol) of rac-2-(4-ethoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6- [(tetrahydrc)-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester from the preceding example, and 0.53 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, in 270 mL of methanol was stirred and refluxed for 21.5 hr. Most of the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in ether. The ether solution was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and processed in the usual manner giving an oil. This material was chromatographed on 200 g of silica gel, eluting with hexane- ethyl acetate mixtures. There was obtained 7.03 g (92.5%) of 2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6- (4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester as a colorless oil. EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(methylsulfonyl)- oxy]hexyI]benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester A solution of 7.03 g (18.5 mmol) of 2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6-(4-methoxy-4- oxo-butoxy)benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester from the preceding example, and 22.5 mL of triethylamine, in 67.5 mL of ethyl acetate was stirred with ice-bath cooling while 6.75 mL (87.25 mmol) of methanesulfonyl chloride was added dropwise over a 10 min period. The resulting dense slurry was stirred at 0-5 °C. for 10 min and then kept at 0-5 °C. for 21 hr. The mixture was treated with 100 mL of water and 100 mL of ether while still cold. Work-up with ether in the usual manner (the organic extracts were additionally washed with IN. aqueous hydrochloric acid and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution) gave 8.45 g (99.7%) of 2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6- [6-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]hexyl]-benzene-propanoic acid methyl ester as a pale-yellow oil which was used without further purification. EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 2-(6-IodohexyI)-6-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)benzene- propanoic Acid Methyl Ester A mixture of 10.81 g (ca. 23.37 mmol) of crude 2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)- 6-[6-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester (preceding example), 7.01 g (46.7 mmol) of anhydrous sodium iodide, and 44 mL of dry acetonitrile was stirred at room temperature for 17 hr and then refluxed for 3.5 hr. After being cooled, the mixture was diluted with 200 mL of ether and filtered with suction. The solids were washed thoroughly with ether. The filtrate and washes were combined and washed with 12% aqueous sodium bisulfite, and work-up was completed in the usual manner. There was obtained 11.14 g (97.3%) of 2-(6- iodohexyl)-6-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)benzene-propanoic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil. EX AMPLE 18 Preparation of 2-[6-[(3,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-2H-l- benzopyran-7-yl)oxy]hexyI]-6-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)benzene- propanoic Acid Methyl Ester A mixture of 12.25 g (25 mmol) of 2-(6-iodohexyl)-6-(4-methoxy-4- oxobutoxy) benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester (preceding example), 7.1 g (25.2 mmol) of 2,3*<iihydro-7-hydroxy-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-4-one (example 9), 8.3 g (60 mmol) of anhydrous potassium carbonate, and 60 mL of dry acetonitrile was stirred and refluxed for 22 hr. After being cooled, the mixture was diluted with ether and filtered with suction. The solids were washed well with ether. The filtrate and washes were combined and concentrated in vacuo giving 16.5 g of a yellow oil. This material was chromatographed on silica geL eluting with hexane- ethyl acetate mixtures. There was obtained 13.75 g (85.4%) of pure tide dimethyl ester, as an oil. EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3- phenylpropyl)-2H-l-benzopyran-7-yI]oxy]hexyI]benzenepropanoic Acid The diester from the preceding example (13.75 g; 21.35 mmol) was saponified by stirring in 500 mL of tetrahydrofuran containing 60 mL of 3N aqueous lithium hydroxide, at room temperature, for 24 hr. The telrahydrofuran was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water and acidified with 3H aqueous hydrochloric acid. The mixture was worked-up with ethyl acetate in the usual manner giving an off-white solid. This material was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 96:2.5: 1 chloroform-methanol-acetic acid. Recrystallization of the combined, pure diacid fractions from acetonitrile gave 10.4 g (79%) of the title diacid, as a colorless solid, mp 104-106 °C. Anal. Calcd for C37H44O8: C, 72.06; H, 7.19. Found: C, 71.74; H, 7.27. EXAMPLE ?Q Preparation of 3,4-Dihydro-6-hydroxy-5-(2-propenyl)-l(2H)- naphthalen-one A solution of 12.51 g (61.93 mmol) of 3,4-dihydro-6-(2-propenyloxy)- l(2H)-naphthalenone in 125 mL of N,N-diethylaniline was stirred and heated in a 225-230 °C. oil bath, for 20.5 hr. The resulting dark-amber solution was cooled and poured into 300 mL of cold 3N HC1. The mixture was worked-up with ether in the usual manner giving 12.29 g of a yellow solid which was a mixture of the 5- and 7- allyl isomeric hydroxy naphthalenones. This material was recrystallized from ethyl acetate giving the pure 5-allyl isomer in 60% yield, in several crops. The analytical specimen was a yellow solid, mp 145-148 °C. Anal. Calcd for C13H14O2: C, 77.20; H, 6.98. Found: C, 76.97; H, 7.00. EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[[5-6,7,8-tetrahydro- 5-oxo-l-(2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyI]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester A mixture of 3.5 g (17.3 mmol) of 3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-5-(2-propenyl)- l(2H)-naphthalenone (from example 20), 8.5 g (17.35 mmol) of 2-(6-iodohexyl)-6- (4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester (example 17), 5.8 g (42.0 mmol) of anhydrous potassium carbonate, and 40 mL of anhydrous acetonitrile was stirred and refluxed for 24 hr. The resulting mixture was cooled, diluted with ether, and filtered with suction. The solids were washed thoroughly with ether and then the filtrate and washes were combined, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures. The tide diester was obtained in quantitative yield (9.73 g), as a pale-yellow oil. EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of (EJ-2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8- tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthaIenyI]oxy]hexyI]- benzenepropan-oic Acid Methyl Ester A mixture of 9.73 g (17.23 mmol) of 2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6- [[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzene- propanoic acid methyl ester from example 21, 3.84 g (18.86 mmol) of iodobenzene, 2.93 g (17.72 mmol) of tetraethylammonium chloride, 5.13 g (52.25 mmol) of anhydrous sodium acetate, and 37 mL of dry N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred at room temperature while being purged with a stream of argon. Palladium(II) acetate (0.216 g; 0.96 mmol) was added and stirring was continued at room temperature, for 22 hr. The dark-brown mixture was tteated with ether and water and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was worked-up with ether in the usual manner (the ether extract was additionally washed with 12% aqueous sodium bisulfite solution) giving 11.54 g of crude product. This material was chromatographed on 350 g of silica gel, eluting with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures. There was obtained 8.63 g (78%) of the tide olefin as a pale-yellow oiL EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro- 5-oxo-l-(3-phenylpropyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester (E)-2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3- phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester (0.54 g; 0.84 mmol), from the preceding example, was hydrogenated in 25 mL of ethyl acetate, over 0.1 g of 10% palladium on carbon, at room temperature and 1 atmosphere, for 2 hr. The catalyst was filtered and the filtrate concentrated to give 0.52 g (96%) of the tide diester as a pale-yellow oil. EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- l-(3-phenylpropyI)-2-naphthalenyI]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid 2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3- phenylpropyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester from the preceding example (0.52 g; 0.8 mmol) was saponified by stirring in 22 mL of tetrahydrofuran containing 2.6 mL of 3N. aqueous lithium hydroxide, at room temperature, for 24 hr. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water and acidified with 3N aqueous hydrochloric acid. Work-up with ether in the usual manner gave a viscous, oily residue which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 90:10:5 toluene-ethyl acetate-acetic acid. Recrystallization of the combined pure fractions from hexane-ethyl acetate gave the tide diacid in 73% yield (0.36 g), as a colorless solid, mp 89-91 °C. Anal. Calcd for C38H46O7: C, 74.24; H, 7.54. Found: C, 74.15; H, 7.75. EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of 2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(4-oxo-8-(2- propenyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-7-yl)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester. To a slurry of 202 mg (5.05 mmol) of 60% sodium hydride-mineral oil dispersion (pre- washed with pentane) in 3 mL of anhydrous N-N-dimethylfoιτflamide was added a solution of 0.77 g (3.81 mmol) of 7-hydroxy-8-(2-propenyl)-4H-l- benzopyran-4-one in 12 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide, over a 1 min period. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min whereupon a solution of 2.1 g (4.29 mmol) of 2-(6-iodohexyl)-6-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)benzene- propanoic acid methyl ester (example 17) in 15 mL of anhydrous N-N-dimethyl- formamide was added over a 1 min period. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hr before being treated with ice- water, and worked-up with ethyl acetate in the usual manner. The oily product was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures. There was obtained 1.7 g (79.1%) of the title compound as a yellow oil. EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of 2-(4-Methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(4-oxo-8-(3-phenyl- 2-propenyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-7-yI)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester- Using the procedure of example 22, 2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(4- oxo-8-(2-propenyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-7-yl)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester from the preceding example was converted into the title compound, a pale-yellow oil, in 73% yield. EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 2-[6-[(3,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-2H-l- benzopyran-7-yl)oxy]hexyI]-6-(4-methoxy-4- oxobutoxy)benzenepropanoic Acid Methyl Ester Using die procedure of example 23, 2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[(4- oxo-8-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-4H-l-benzopyran-7-yl)oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid metivyl ester from the preceding example was catalytically hydrogenated giving the tide compound, as an oil. EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 2-(3-PhenylpropenyIidene)-l,3-cycIohexanedione. A solution of 11.2 g (0.1 mol) of 1,3-cyclohexanedione in 110 mL of ethanol was stirred at room temperature while 1 mL of piperidine was added followed by the dropwise addition of 13 mL (0.103 mol) of trans-cinnamaldehyde over a 2 min period. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr and then in an ice-bath for 1 hr. The resulting yellow slurry was filtered with suction and the solid dried under high vacuum giving 13.9 g (61.5%) of the tide dione. Recrystallization of a sample of this material from ethyl acetate gave yellow solid, mp 115.5-118 °C. Anal. Calcd for C15H14O2: C, 79.62; H, 6.24. Found: C, 79.46; H, 6.34. EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)-l,3-cyclohexanedione. A mixture of 6.8 g (30 mmol) of 2-(3-phenylpropenylidene)-l,3- cyclohexanedione from the preceding example, 0.7 g of 10% palladium on carbon, and 150 mL of ethyl acetate was stirred at room temperature, in an atmosphere of hydrogen, until gas uptake ceased. The catalyst was filtered widi suction and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo giving 6.7 g (97%) of the tide dione as an off-white solid which was used without further purification. EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of 3-(2-Cyanoethoxy)-2-(3-phenylpropyI)-2-cyclohexen-l- one. A mixture of 6.7 g (29 mmol) of 2-(3-phenylpropyl)-l,3-cyclohexanedione from the preceding example, 9.9 mL (0.145 mol) of 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 0.3 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, and 110 mL of toluene was stirred and refluxed with water removal by means of a Dean-Stark trap, for 3 hr. The mixture was cooled, diluted with ethyl acetate, and washed with saturated, aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Work-up was completed in d e usual manner giving 9.3 g of a yellow oil. This material was chromatogrphed on silica gel. Elution with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures afforded 5.9 g (71.6%) of the tide compound as a yellow oil. EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of 3-(2-Cyanoethoxy)-2-(3-phenylpropyl)phenoI. To a stirred solution of 6.7 g (23.7 mmol) of 3-(2-cyanoethoxy)-2-(3-phenyl- propyl)-2-cyclohexen-l-one (preceding example) in 75 mL of dichloromethane, cooled to 0-5 °C. was added 6.8 g (23.8 mmol) of l,3-dibromo-5,5- dimed ylhydantoin. After being stirred for 30 min in the cold, 50 mL of saturated aqueous sodium bisulfite solution was added. Work-up with dichloromethane in the usual manner gave 9.3 g of a yellow oiL This material was dissolved in 125 mL of toluene and 7.1 g (63.4 mmol) of l,4-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane was added. The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 30 min before being cooled and treated with 2N hydrochloric acid. Work-up with ethyl acetate in the usual manner gave an orange oil which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures gave 3.5 g (52.6%) of the tide phenol as a yellow oil. EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-7-hydroxy-8-(3-phenylpropyI)-4H-l- benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 3.5 g (12.5 mmol) of 3-(2-cyanoethoxy)-2-(3- phenylpropyl)phenol (preceding example), 16 mL of 85% phosphoric acid, and 7.7 mL of acetic acid was stirred and heated at 125 °C. for 23 hr. After being cooled, die mixture was diluted with water and worked-up widi ethyl acetate in the usual manner giving 4 g of a red oil. This material was chromatographed on silica geL Elution with hexane-ethyl acetate mixtures afforded 2.3 g (65.2%) of the tide compound as a yellow solid. EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of (E -2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5- oxo-l-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyI]oxy]hexyl]benzene- propanoic Acid (E)-2-(4-medιoxy-4-oxobutoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3- phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid methyl ester (from example 22) was saponified using the procedure of example 19, giving the title diacid in 82% yield, as a colorless solid, mp 102-104 °C, recrystallized from hexane- ethyl acetate. Anal. Calcd for C38H44O7: C, 74.49; H, 7.24. Found: C, 74.28; H, 7.14. F.XAMPLE 34 WET GRANULATION FORMULATION Tnyredients mg/tafrlet 1. 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6- [[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3- phenylpropyl)-2H- 1 -benzopyran-7- yl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid 0.1 0.5 5.0 5.0 2. Lactose Anhydrous DTG 106.9 106.5 102.0 118.0 3. Avicel PH 102 15.0 15.0 15.0 25.0 4. Modified Starch 7.0 7.0 7.0 10.0 5. Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 TOTAL 130.0 130.0 130.0 160.0 Manufacturing Procedure; 1) Dissolve Item 1 in a suitable solvent such as alcohol. 2) Spread d e solution in Step 1 over Item 2, dry. 3) Add Items 3 and 4 and mix for 10 minutes. 4) Add magnesium stearate and mix for 3 minutes and compress. EXAMPLE 35 CAPSULE FORMULATION Tngredients mg/caPSUlg 1. 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6- [[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- 1- (3-phenylpropyl)-2-naphthalenyl]- oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid 0.1 0.5 5.0 25.0 2. Lactose Hydrous 168.9 168.5 159.0 123.0 3. Com Starch 20.0 20.0 25.0 35.0 4. Talc 10.0 10.0 10.0 15.0 5. Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 TOTAL 200.0 200.0 200.0 200.0 Manufacturing Procedure: 1) Mix Items 1, 2 and 3 in a suitable mixer for 30 minutes. 2) Add Items 4 and 5 and mix for 3 minutes. 3) Fill into suitable capsule. EXAMPLE 36 TABLET FORMULATION (Wet Granulation) mg/tablet Item Ingredient 100 mg 500 mg 1. (D-2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6- [6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l- (3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]- oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid 100 500 2. Lactose 30 150 3. Pregelatinized Starch 6 30 4. Microcrystalline Cellulose 30 150 5. Magnesium Stearate 1 6 TOTAL 167 836 Manufacturing Procedure: 1) Mix Items 1, 2, 3 and 4 and granulate with water. 2) Dry the granulation at 50° C. 3) Pass the granulation through suitable milling equipment. 4) Add Item 5 and mix for three minutes; compress on a suitable press. EXAMPLE 37 CAPSULE FORMULATION Item Ingredient 100 g 500 mg 1. 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6-[6- [[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3- phenylpropyl)-2H- 1 -benzopyran-7- yl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid 100 500 2. Com Starch (Pregelatinized) 8 40 3. Modified Starch 4 20 4. Talc 4 20 5. Magnesium Stearate 1 2 TOTAL 117 582 Manufacturing Procedure: 1) Mix Items 1, 2, and 3 and wet granulate widi water. Dry at 45° C overnight 2) Mill through suitable screen using appropriate milling equipment. 3) Add Items 4 and 5 and mix for five minutes. FXAMPLE 38 INHALATION AEROSOL FORMULATION (SUSPENSION) Item Ingredients % w/w 1. 2-(3-Carboxypropoxy)-6- [6- [[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- 1- (3-phenylpropyl)-2-naphthalenyl]- oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic Acid 1.0 2. Sorbitan Trioleate 0.5 3. Freon 12 64.0 4. Freon 11 18.5 5. Freon 114 16.0 TOTAL 100% Manufacturing Procedure: 1) Mix Items 1 and 2 into 4 and homogenize. 2) Fill the concentrate suspension from Step 1 into a suitable can and place in valve and crimp to seal container. 3) Pressure-fill a 80:20 mixture of Items 3 and 5. NOTE: A suitable valve may be used to deliver 25 to 100 microliters in volume. EXAMPLE 39 OIL-IN- WATER TOPICAL CREAM Item Ingredients % w/w (E)-2-(3-carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6, 7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- l-(3-phenyl-2- propenyl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl] benzenepropenoic Acid 0.000001-2.00 2. Cetyl Alcohol 1.50 3. Stearyl Alcohol 2.50 4. Span 60 (sorbitan monostearate) 2.00 5. Mineral oil, light 4.00 6. Medium Chain Trigiyceride 3.00 7. Arlacel 165 (Glyceryl monostearate and 4.00 polyoxyethylene glycol stearate blend) 8. Polysorbate 60 1.00 9. Propylene Glycol 5.00 10. Benzyl Alcohol 1.00 11. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) 0.02 12. Sorbitol Solution 2.00 13. Water q.s. to 100.00 The items are mixed in a known manner.

Claims: £LΔIM£ 1. A compound of the formula: wherein R 2 , each occurrence, independently, is hydroxy, lower alkoxy or NR 3 R 4 , wherein R 3 and R 4 , independentiy, are hydrogen or lower alkyl, and Ph is phenyl and for the compound of formula C, its geometric isomer, and, when R 2 is hydroxy, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base. 2. A compound according to Claim 1 of formula A. 3. A compound according to Claim 2, wherein the compound is 2-(3- carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8-(3-phenylpropyl)-2H-l-benzopyran-7- yl]-oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid. 4. A compound according to Claim 1 of formula B. 5. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the compound is 2-(3- carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3-phenylpropyl)-2- naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid. 6. A compound according to Claim 1 of formula C. 7. A compound according to Claim 6, wherein the compound is (E)-2-(3- carboxypropoxy)-6-[6-[[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-2- naphthalenyl]oxy]hexyl]benzenepropanoic acid. 8. A compound, 2-(3-phenylpropenylidene)- 1,3-cyclohexanedione, of d e formula wherein Ph is phenyl. 9. A compound, 3-(2-cyanoethoxy)-2-(3-phenylpropyl)-2-cyclohexene- 1-one, of the formula wherein Ph is phenyl. 10. A compound in accordance with any one of Claims 1-7 for use as therapeutically active substance. 11. A compound in accordance with any one of Claims 1-7 for use in the treatment of inflammatory disease, such as psoriasis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowl disease, asthma, acute respiratory disttess syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout ischemia/reperfusion injury, and trauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury. 12. A process for the manufacture of a compound in accordance widi any one of Claims 1-7, which comprises a) for the manufacture of compounds of the formulas A or B, wherein R 2 ' is lower alkoxy or hydrogen, reacting a compound of the formula with a compound of the formula wherein R 2 is lower alkoxy or hydrogen and L is a leaving group, or b) for die manufacture of compounds of the formula A, wherein R 2 is as above, catalytically hydrogenazing a compound of the formula wherein R 2 is as above, or c) for the manufacture of compounds of die formula B, wherein R 2 is as above, catalytically hydrogenazing a compound of die formula C, wherein R 2 is described above, or d) for die manufacture of compounds of the formula C, wherein R 2 is as above, reacting a compound of die formula wherein R 2 is as above, with a compound PhL π-4 wherein Ph is phenyl and L is a leaving group, or e) for the manufacture of compounds of die formulas A, B and C, wherein R 2 is hydroxy, saponifying a compound A, B or C, wherein R 2 is lower alkoxy, and f) for the manufacture of compounds of the formulas A, B and C, wherein R 2 is -NR 3 R 4 and R 3 and R 4 is as above, converting a compound of formula A, B or C, wherein R 2 is hydroxy into a corresponding compound wherein R 2 is -NR 3 R 4 , g) if desired, converting a compound of formulas A, B and C into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt 13. A medicament containing a compound in accordance widi any one of Claims 1-7 and a therapeutically inert excipient 14. A medicament of inhibiting the biological activity of leukotriene B4 in accordance widi any one of Qaims 1-7 for the control or prevention of inflammatory disease, such as psoriasis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acute respiratory disttess syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as • rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and trauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury. 15. The use of compounds in accordance with any one of Claims 1-7 in the control or prevention of illnesses. 16. The use of compounds in accordance widi any one of Claims 1-7 inhibiting the biological activity of leukotriene B4 in the control or prevention of inflammatory disease, such as psoriasis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout, ischemiaτeperfusion injury, and trauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury. 17. The use of compounds in accordance widi any one of Claims 1-7 for die manufacture of medicaments against inflammatory disease, such as psoriasis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, acute respiratory disttess syndrome, cystic fibrosis, allergy, arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis such as contact dermatitis, NSAID-induced gastropathy, gout, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and ttauma induced inflammation, such as spinal cord injury. 18. Compounds according to any one of Claims 1-7, whenever prepared by die process as claimed in Claim 12 or by an obvious chemical equivalent thereof. 19. The invention such as hereinbefore particularly described. 20. A method of inhibiting the biological activity of leukotriene B4 which comprises administering to a host, in need of such tteatment an effective amount of a compound in accordance widi any one of Claims 1-7. ***

Inventors: COHEN NOAL, DANIEWSKI ANDRZEJ ROBERT, LEE FERDINAND KWO-CHEN, YAGALOFF KEITH ALAN, COHEN, NOAL, DANIEWSKI, ANDRZEJ, ROBERT, LEE, FERDINAND, KWO-CHEN, YAGALOFF, KEITH, ALAN
Applicants: COHEN NOAL, DANIEWSKI ANDRZEJ ROBERT, HOFFMANN LA ROCHE, LEE FERDINAND KWO CHEN, YAGALOFF KEITH ALAN, COHEN, NOAL, DANIEWSKI, ANDRZEJ, ROBERT, F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE AG, LEE, FERDINAND, KWO-CHEN, YAGALOFF, KEITH, ALAN
Application year: 1994
Main classification: C07D311
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P11, A61P29, C07C45, C07C49, C07C51, C07C59, C07C67, C07C69, C07C235, C07C255, C07C309, C07D311